Horizontal drilling attachment for excavators

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an attachment apparatus for drilling that may be coupled to an excavator. The attachment apparatus generally has a base, a motor and one or more brackets, with the motor positioned in front of the base and the one or more brackets positioned behind the base. A plurality of holes in the one or more brackets having parallel center axes in an attachment plane may be used in coupling the attachment to the excavator. The base of the attachment may have a major plane that is approximately parallel to the attachment plane, and the axis of rotation of the motor may be approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base. A push plate apparatus is provided for possible use with the main attachment for pushing pipes, etc., into a hole. Furthermore, methods of making and using the present attachment and/or push plate are further provided.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to attachments used for boring or drilling into the earth that connect to the dipper stick of an excavator, such as a track hoe, etc.

2. Related Art

Water lines, pipelines, storm and sanitary sewer lines and utility ducts are often installed underground by digging a trench, laying the line, pipe or duct in the trench and then filling the trench with earth to cover the line, pipe or duct. This approach is sufficient in undeveloped areas where there are not surface structures or obstacles, such as driveways, roads, etc., that get in the way. When a surface structure, such as a paved surface or roadway, is encountered, it may have to be dug out to create a trench for laying the line, pipe or duct underground, and the paved surface would then have to be replaced. This is time-consuming, costly and wasteful and would be unnecessary if there were a reasonably effective way to lay the line, pipe or duct under the structure without removing it. One way to lay these utilities lines, etc., underneath a surface structure without removing is to bore a horizontal hole underneath the structure such that the structure is left in place. Although various auger implements have been proposed for use with excavators, none are sufficiently simple and rugged for widespread use.

In addition, the requirement for separate processes for placing a pipe, duct, etc., inside a horizontal hole is time consuming and difficult to maneuver.

There remains a need in the art for a new and improved excavator attachment and methods for boring or drilling horizontally into the ground that is simple in design yet rugged and stable enough to withstand the substantial forces involved with this type of drilling. There is a further need for improved devices and methods for placing a pipe, etc., into a horizontal hole, such as during the process of drilling itself.

SUMMARY

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for attachment to an excavator is provided comprising: a base having a front side, a back side and a major plane; one or more brackets, each bracket having at least one hole; and a motor fixedly mounted on the front side of the base, wherein the one or more brackets have at least two holes comprising a first hole and a second hole, and wherein the one or more brackets are positioned such that the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are each positioned behind the back side of the base, wherein the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are approximately parallel to each other and oriented within a single attachment plane, wherein the attachment plane is approximately parallel to the major plane of the base, and wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base.

According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, a push plate apparatus is provided for use with an excavator attachment comprising: a cylindrical portion having one or more walls, a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the one or more walls enclose a hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion, the hollow cavity being continuous with the proximal opening and the distal opening; a plate portion located at or near a distal end of the cylindrical portion; and one or more connecting members having one or more holes positioned in a plane at or near a proximal end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the plate portion has a planar distal face that is approximately perpendicular to one or more walls of the shell of the cylindrical portion.

According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: (a) aligning a first hole and a second hole of an attachment apparatus with a corresponding set of holes of an excavator, the attachment apparatus comprising: a base having a front side, a back side and a major plane; one or more brackets, each bracket having at least one hole; and a motor fixedly mounted on the front side of the base, wherein the one or more brackets have at least two holes comprising the first hole and the second hole, and wherein the one or more brackets are positioned such that the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are each positioned behind the hack side of the base, wherein the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are approximately parallel to each other and oriented within a single attachment plane, wherein the attachment plane is approximately parallel to the major plane of the base, and wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base; (b) inserting a first elongated shaft through the first hole of the attachment apparatus and at least a first corresponding hole of the excavator; and (c) inserting a second elongated shaft through the second hole of the attachment apparatus and at least a second corresponding hole of the corresponding holes of the excavator. Other methods of assembling, making, using, etc., the apparatus of the present invention are further envisioned such as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an attachment apparatus embodiment of the present invention that may be coupled to an excavator;

FIG. 1B is a rear or back perspective view of the apparatus embodiment in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with an alternative positioning of the bracket(s) and motor relative to FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention with two brackets at or near the same side of the base;

FIG. 2C is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention with a bracket forming part of the base;

FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with a sleeve used in place of separate brackets at or near each lateral side;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention having an additional hanging bracket;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view of the attachment embodiment in FIG. 4 coupled to an excavator;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a push plate apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a combined apparatus of the present invention with the push plate embodiment of FIG. 6 joined to the attachment embodiment of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an attachment or implement for use in conjunction with an excavator having a motor for driving rotation of an auger, bit, etc., into the ground for purposes of boring a hole. Such an implement of the present invention may be an apparatus used for horizontal drilling, such as into the side of an excavated area that may be adjacent to a surface structure. Thus, the implement of the present invention may utilize forces generated by an excavator to bore a generally horizontal hole underneath the surface structure.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an attachment or implement is provided for use with an excavator that may include a base, a motor (or drive mechanism) fixedly attached to the base, and bracket(s) that are strongly attached to, or are formed as part of, the base of the implement. Such a bracket may broadly include any structure that projects out from the surface of the base. The bracket(s) may have at least two holes and/or two pairs of holes through them that may be used to receive pins, fasteners, bolts, etc., that are used to connect or couple the present attachment or implement to the arms and/or dipper stick of an excavator. Each of these hole(s) may also be accompanied by a collar adjacent to the respective hole of a bracket. Such a collar will have a hole through it that is continuous with the respective bracket hole, and its diameter may be approximately the same as the diameter of the respective bracket. Thus, by receiving the same pin, fastener, bolt, etc., through it, the collar may provide added strength and stability in coupling with the excavator. Such a collar(s) for each hole of a bracket may be located on the inner and/or outer side of the respective hole.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “excavator” refers to a heavy piece of equipment or machinery having an articulable boom, dipper stick, and/or aims attached or connected to a main vehicle portion having wheels or tracks that contact the ground for movement of the excavator. An “excavator” may include any such machinery as understood in art. An “excavator” is typically used for various earth-moving operations and may include any track hoe, crawler, backhoe, skid steer, etc.

The base of the attachment or implement of the present invention may have a top side, bottom side, front side, back side, a first lateral side and/or a second lateral side, depending on the shape and dimensions of the base. For purposes of the present invention, a “side” of a base may also include an end, face, surface or edge of the base as the case may be. Each of these top, bottom, front, back and lateral sides of the base may be defined as being the largest and most predominant outer side or surface on that side of the base. The base may also have a portion, such as a lower portion, that is flat on its front face for attachment of a motor or drive mechanism to the base. In contrast, the brackets may be attached to a back side of the base. According to embodiments of the present invention, the attachment or implement of the present invention may include a base having a flat face portion on the front side of the base for fixed attachment to the motor. However, the presence of the flat face on the base will depend on the shape of the proximal end/side the motor. In addition, the base may also be shaped such that the overall height and width dimensions (i.e., its greatest height and width dimensions) are greater than its greatest depth dimension.

For purposes of the present invention, the depth dimension of the base is defined generally as being in a front-to-back direction, the height dimension is defined generally as being in a top-to-bottom direction, and the width dimension is defined generally as being in a side-to-side direction. Each of these height, width and depth dimensions may be generally perpendicular to each other with some variation possible in the angles between them to account for different possible shapes of the base. According to many embodiments of the present invention, the height of the base may vary within a range from about 1.5 feet to about 5 feet, or from about 2.5 feet (30 inches) to about 4 feet (48 inches), and the width of the base may vary within a range from about 6 inches to about 40 inches, or from about 10 inches to about 30 inches, or from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 18 inches. For purposes of the present invention, the term “upward” shall mean in a direction toward the top of the attachment apparatus (i.e., in a bottom-to-top direction), whereas the term “downward” shall mean toward a bottom side of the attachment apparatus (i.e., in a top-to-bottom direction). Likewise, the term “rearward” shall mean in a direction toward the back of the attachment apparatus (i.e., in a front-to-back direction), whereas the term “forward” shall mean toward a front of the attachment apparatus (i.e., in a back-to-front direction). Thus, the term “behind” (in reference to the base) means a rearward position relative to the back side of the base, and the phrase “in front of” in reference to the base means a forward position relative to the front side of the base.

The base itself may be made of a single piece of material, which may be simultaneously fabricated or formed, or it may be made of a plurality of pieces that are strongly and rigidly assembled or joined together in a manner that is suitable to withstand the great forces involved during use, such as by welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, fastening, etc. The base (including any pieces that are joined to make the base) as well as any bracket(s), including any sleeve(s), of the attachment apparatus will generally be made of metal, such as steel, etc.

Although the base may have a generally planar shape according to some embodiments, the base may instead have a variety of different shapes (including irregular, curved, and/or undulating shapes and dimensions) depending on the curvatures and varying thicknesses or depths of different parts or portions of the base. Indeed, each of the height, width and depth dimensions of the base, especially the depth dimension, may vary significantly among and between different parts or portions of the base. Therefore, with exception to the flat portion (if present) on the front side of the base, the shape and dimensions of the base may vary substantially with the height and width dimensions remaining generally greater than the depth dimension. Whether or not the base of the present apparatus has a substantially planar shape, the base may be defined as having a major plane (regardless of its shape). For purposes of the present invention, the “major plane” of the base is defined as the plane encompassing the axes of the greatest height and width dimensions of the base.

If the base includes a flat portion on the front side of the base for attachment to the motor or drive mechanism, the plane of such a flat portion may also be approximately parallel to this major plane of the base. However, such a flat portion may instead be angled somewhat at a non-parallel angle relative to the major plane of the base, and/or the axis of rotation of the motor may be angled somewhat at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the major plane of the base. These angles may have the benefit in some circumstances of tilting the rotation axis of the motor upward to facilitate its use when coupled to an excavator (i.e., by requiring less extension or retraction of the arms on the dipper stick to achieve a desired orientation of the auger). For example, the angle between the flat portion of the base and the major plane of the base may be within a range from about 0° to about 30° (exactly parallel being 0°), or from about 0° to about 20°, or from about 0° to about 10°, whereas the angle between the axis of rotation of the motor and the major plane of the base may be within a range from about 60° to about 90° (exactly perpendicular being 90°), or from about 70° to about 90°, or from about 80° to about 90°.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “approximately” shall include “exactly” as well as “nearly” or “about” and shall include any respective range of values described. With regard to lines, axes or planes being parallel or perpendicular relative to each other, the term “approximately” shall include “exactly” parallel or perpendicular and “nearly” parallel or perpendicular and shall include any ranges of angles as may be described herein for such line(s) and/or plane(s), respectively, that vary from being exactly parallel or perpendicular.

The base of the present invention may generally be solid from side to side over at least the portion of the base where the motor or drive mechanism is fixedly attached, mounted, etc., to the base, which may be a lower portion of the base according to some embodiments, to provide sufficient strength and mounting surface for attachment of the motor. For purposes of the present invention, the term “solid” in reference to a portion(s) of the base means that such portion(s) of the base do not have significant opening(s) or gap(s) in its structure (i.e., the material of the base spans continuously from one lateral side to the opposite lateral side of the base over that portion of the base). Other portions of the base (i.e., away from the portion where the motor is attached, etc.) may also be solid, or they may alternatively have one or more gap(s), opening(s) or spacing(s) between the two sides of the base, such as between where the bracket(s) are attached to the base. It is further possible that any such opening(s), gap(s), etc., in the structure of the base (if present) may be bridged or accompanied by additional cross bar(s) or any other suitable support structure(s) to reinforce and strengthen those portions of the base.

For purposes of the present invention, the terms “mounted” or “attached” in reference to a feature (e.g., a bracket, motor, etc.) fixedly and strongly attached, mounted, connected, etc., on or to the base of an attachment apparatus shall be interchangeable in meaning and include any suitable method or form of attachment, mounting, connection, etc., such as welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, fastening, etc., that is strong enough to withstand the various forces involved during use in drilling without unreasonable bending, breaking, cracking, etc.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the brackets of the apparatus may extend backward and/or be located behind the back side of the base. These brackets may also be located at or near each side of the base. The brackets will generally be fixedly, strongly and integrally attached, connected, etc., to the base by any suitable method, such as by welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, fastening, etc. (if not formed as a continuous part of the base). Indeed, the junction or joining of the bracket(s) to the base should be strong enough to withstand the great forces involved in drilling with the present auger attachment. If the brackets at or near each side of the base have a shape with a “major plane” (i.e., a shape with two major dimensions that define such a major plane which are greater than a third dimension perpendicular to the two major dimensions), then such a major plane of the bracket(s) of the present apparatus may be approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base. For example, each of the brackets may have a generally planar shape coinciding with its major plane, and one of the ends of such bracket(s) may be strongly attached to the base. However, such bracket(s) of the present attachment may instead have different shapes either without a major plane or with a major plane oriented at a different, non-perpendicular angle relative to the major plane of the base.

For purposes of the present invention, when the location, position, point of attachment, etc., of where a feature (e.g., a bracket) is located, contacts, connects, attaches, etc., to the base of an attachment is described herein in relation to another part or portion of the base (e.g., a lateral side of the base), the phrase “at or near” shall include any suitable preposition that denotes proximity to such part or portion of the base and shall include “at,” “on,” “near,” “next to,” etc., to the extent consistently described. Such proximity to a respective side of a base generally means at least closer to that side of the base than to an opposite side of the base. However, such proximity may further mean at least closer to that side of the base than to the center of the base and/or to a midpoint between that side of the base and an opposite side of the base.

Assuming that the bracket(s) of the present apparatus are not formed as part of the base itself, one or more of the bracket(s) fixedly attached, etc., to the base of the present apparatus may be attached at or near the respective lateral sides of the base (e.g., closer to a respective lateral side of the base than to the center of the back side of the base) with the holes of the base positioned behind the major plane of the base. For example, the bracket(s) may be attached to the back side of the base, such that an outer side edge or face of the bracket is aligned or flush with the respective lateral side of the base. For purposes of the present invention, the term “outer” in reference to the bracket(s) means facing generally away from the center of the base, whereas the term “inner” in reference to the bracket(s) means facing generally toward the center of the base. Alternatively, one or more of the bracket(s) may be attached to the back side of the base at a position that is internal from the respective lateral side of the base, such that there is a distance or spacing between the outer side edge or face of the bracket and the respective lateral side of the base. As yet another alternative, one or more of the bracket(s) may be attached to a respective lateral side of the base. For example, an inner face of the bracket(s) may directly contact the respective lateral side of the base.

Each of the brackets will generally have one or two holes or bores through it depending on their type and arrangement. Each of these holes or bores will have a center axis defined as an axis through the center of the hole from its first opening to its second opening (i.e., from one end of the hole to the other), and all of the center axes of these holes of the bracket(s) may generally be aligned in a single “attachment plane” (i.e., within a two-dimensional plane for attachment to an excavator). These holes of the present attachment apparatus (aligned in the attachment plane) may also generally correspond to a second set of holes or bores in an arm and/or dipper stick of an excavator. This second set of holes of the excavator will have center axes that are aligned with each other in a second attachment plane corresponding to the attachment plane of the present attachment. Thus, the holes of the present apparatus may be aligned with the corresponding holes of the excavator in a co-planar position for securely coupling the attachment of the present invention to the excavator, such as by receiving and/or inserting a plurality of pins, bolts, fasteners, etc., through the aligned holes.

Such an “attachment plane” of the aligned holes of the bracket(s) of the present attachment apparatus (used to couple the attachment to the excavator) will generally be approximately parallel to the major plane of the base of the device. However, some deviation in angles may exist between these two planes. For example, the angle between the attachment plane of the holes and the major plane of the base may vary within a range that is about 30° relative to being parallel (with an exactly parallel angle defined as 0°), or about ±20° relative to parallel, or about ±10° relative to parallel, or about ±5° relative to parallel. For purposes of the present invention, the term “about” in reference to an angle shall mean within a range that is plus or minus the stated angle (or beyond the stated range of angles) by a couple degrees (e.g., ±2°).

As will be discussed further below, the bracket(s) at or near each lateral side of the base may each comprise one or two bracket(s). If two brackets are present at or near the same lateral side of the base, then each of these brackets may have only one hole or bore through it. As also explained below, one or two sleeve(s) or bracket(s) may alternatively be attached to, or formed as part of, the back side of the base for receiving the plurality of pins, bolts, fasteners, etc., for connection to an excavator as long as the corresponding holes of the excavator each have a suitable structure or spacing to accommodate this type of arrangement.

The exact arrangement and spacing between the holes in the bracket(s) will depend on the type of excavator used with the attachment apparatus of the present invention. With embodiments having separate bracket(s) at or near each lateral side of the base, one of the two holes in the bracket(s) at or near a first lateral side of the base (i.e., a first hole) will generally be aligned with one of the two holes in the bracket(s) at or near the other second lateral side of the base (i.e., a third hole). Likewise, the other hole in the bracket(s) at or near the first lateral side of the base (i.e., a second hole) will generally be aligned with the other hole in the bracket(s) at or near the second lateral side of the base (i.e., a fourth hole). Stated differently, the center axes of the two holes in the bracket(s) at or near the same lateral side of the base (i.e., the first and second holes or the third and fourth holes) may generally be parallel but not aligned with each other, whereas the center axes of each pair of aligned holes in two of the brackets at or near opposite lateral sides of the base (i.e., the first and third holes or the second and fourth holes) will be both aligned and parallel with each other.

The spacing between the two holes in the bracket(s) at or near the same lateral side of the base as well as the spacing between each pair of aligned holes at or near opposite lateral sides of the base may each vary in distance depending on the type of excavator (i.e., depending on the arrangement and spacings between the corresponding holes of the excavator for coupling). For example, the spacing or distance between the two holes in the bracket(s) located at or near the same lateral side of the base may be within a range from about 6 inches to about 2.5 feet apart, or within a range from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, or within a range from about 14 inches to about 18 inches. On the other hand, the spacing between the two aligned holes at or near opposite sides of the base (e.g., the spacing between the two brackets on opposite sides of the base) may be within a range from about 6 inches to about 36 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 24 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 12 inches, such as about 8 inches, or from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, such as about 18 inches.

The holes in the bracket(s) will generally each have a constant cross-sectional shape from end-to-end. This cross-sectional shape will generally be similar to, or match, the cross-sectional shape of the pin, bolt, fastener, etc., that may be inserted through it for coupling the attachment to the excavator. Although any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes are possible (i.e., depending on the shape of the pin, bolt, fastener, etc., inserted through it), each of such holes may generally have an approximately circular cross-sectional shape to correspond to a similarly shaped pin, bolt, fastener, etc. Indeed, when the hole(s) have a circular cross-sectional shape, the diameter of the hole may vary depending on the diameter of the corresponding pin, bolt, fastener, etc. For example, such a diameter may be within a range from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches. For purposes of the present invention, the term “about” in reference to a distance or diameter shall mean ±0.5 inch (when the stated distance is in inches) or ±0.5 feet (when the stated distance is in feet).

As mentioned above, the attachment apparatus of the present invention will also have a motor or drive mechanism that is fixedly and strongly attached, connected, mounted, etc., at its proximal end to the front side of the base. Unlike the bracket(s), such a motor may be positioned or located to project forward in front of the base. Although it is conceivable that at least a portion of a motor housing may be formed as part of the base, it is more likely that the motor and/or motor housing will be attached, etc., to the base. The proximal end of the motor may be attached, etc., to the base by any suitable method, such as by welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, fastening, etc., that provides sufficient strength of attachment, etc., to withstand the great forces involved during use in drilling. For example, the proximal end of the housing of the motor may be attached or mounted to the front side of the base.

Typically, at least the portion of the surface of the front side of the base where the motor is strongly attached, mounted, etc., will be flat or nearly flat (i.e., approximately planar) to correspond to the shape of the proximal end or side of the motor. However, this assumes that the proximal end of the motor is flat or has proximal edge(s) that are approximately within a single plane. Thus, the portion of the surface on the front side of the base where the motor is attached, etc., may alternatively have different shapes, curvatures, topography, etc., to correspond to the shape of the proximal end of the motor. Additional supports may also be present as part of the apparatus to reinforce the strength of attachment of the motor to the base. Such a motor may be an electric, gas-powered or hydraulically powered motor. Preferably, the motor will be a hydraulically driven motor, and the hydraulic power for such motor may preferably be supplied by lines (e.g., two hydraulic lines) from the excavator, to which the present apparatus is coupled or connected. The motor may have a generally cylindrical shape that corresponds to its axis of rotation, or it may have a different shape.

The motor may also be attached or connected to an auger or bit at its distal end for use in drilling. For example, an auger may be attached to a drive shaft of the motor or to a chuck or adaptor attached to the drive shaft, such that the rotational energy of the motor may be imparted to the auger. The motor may be defined in part by its axis of rotation used to turn the auger during use with the longitudinal axis of the auger aligned with the axis of rotation of the motor. Such an axis of rotation may generally be approximately perpendicular (i.e., approximately 90°) relative to (i) the major plane of the base, (ii) the flat face on the front side of the base, and/or (iii) the attachment plane of holes of the bracket(s). However, the angle between the axis of rotation of the motor and one or more of: (i) the major plane of the base, (ii) the attachment plane of the holes, and/or (iii) the major plane of the base may each vary independently within a range that is about ±30° relative to being perpendicular (i.e., from about 60° to about 120°) with an exactly perpendicular angle defined as 90°), about ±20° relative to perpendicular (i.e., from about 70° to about 110°), about ±10° relative to perpendicular (i.e., from about 80° to about 100°), or about ±5° relative to perpendicular (i.e., from about 85° to about 95°).

A simple embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of an attachment apparatus 100 of the present invention, whereas FIG. 1B shown a back perspective view of the same apparatus 100. The base 101 of the apparatus 100 is shown having a front side 103, a back side 105, a top side 107, a bottom side 109, a first lateral side 111, and a second lateral side 113. The embodiment in FIG. 1 is shown with the base 101 having a planar and rectangular shape for simplicity to discuss some of basic features of the present invention. However, as explained above, a base of the present invention may instead have a wide variety of different and variable shapes and dimensions. A first bracket 115 and a second bracket 117 are shown in FIG. 1 attached to the back side 105 of the base 101. Each of the two brackets 115, 117 have spaced apart holes for receiving pins, etc., to connect the attachment 100 to an excavator (not shown). The first bracket 115 has a first hole 119 and a second hole 121, and the second bracket 117 has a third hole 123 and a fourth hole 125. The center axes of each of these holes are parallel to each other, and the center axes of each pair of aligned holes (e.g., the first and third holes 119, 123 or the second and fourth holes 121, 125) will be approximately co-linear with each other.

The brackets 115, 117 are shown in FIG. 1 spaced apart and attached to the back side 105 of the base 101 at or near the respective first and second lateral sides 111, 113 of the base 101 with the outer side edge or face of each of the brackets 115, 117 aligned and flush with the respective lateral side 111, 113 of the base 101. However, according to other embodiments as mentioned above, the bracket(s) may instead be positioned internally from the respective lateral side of the base or otherwise positioned at or near the respective lateral side of the base, such that there is a space or gap between an outer face of the bracket and the respective side of the base (e.g., with a portion of the back side of the base exposed between the bracket and the respective lateral side of the base). Indeed, the shape of the respective lateral side(s) of the base may not even match the outer shape of the bracket(s) according to some embodiments, such that they could not be perfectly aligned. As yet another alternative, the bracket(s) may be directly or indirectly attached, etc., to a respective lateral side (instead of the back side) of the base.

Continuing with the embodiment in FIG. 1, a motor 130 is further shown attached, mounted, etc., to a front side 103 of the base 101 of the apparatus 100. For example, a proximal end of the housing 131 of the motor 130 may be strongly attached to the base by a suitable type or method of attachment, such as welding, soldering, etc., as shown at 160. In addition, various support structures 155 a, 155 b may also be present to help secure the motor 130 to the base 101. A distal cap plate 135 is also shown securely attached (e.g., bolted, etc.) to the housing 131 of the motor 130, and a drive shaft 133 is shown protruding from the motor 130 for connection to an auger, etc., to impart rotational energy to the auger, etc., during use. The motor 130 and drive shaft 133 each have an axis of rotation 150 that is approximately perpendicular to the base 101.

FIG. 2 shows several apparatus embodiments of the present invention having various alternative features. FIG. 2A is a side view of an apparatus 200 of the present invention with a bracket 215 disposed on a back side 205 toward the top side 207 of the base 201 and the motor 230 disposed on a front side 2043 toward a bottom side 209 of the base 201. The bracket 215 is shown at or near a first lateral side 211 of the base. Another bracket (not shown) is present at or near the other second lateral side of the base 201. Thus, a longer base (relative to FIG. 1) may permit the bracket(s) to be located, attached, etc., mostly or entirely on an upper portion of the base (i.e., closer to the top than the bottom of the base) with the motor located, attached, etc., mostly or entirely on a lower portion of the base (i.e., closer to the bottom than the top of the base). This may provide the benefit of allowing greater reach with the auger attachment while also keeping the dipper stick and arms of the excavator away from the ground and out of the way. According to this embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the bracket 215 is shown having two holes 219, 221 that are aligned with the holes of the other bracket (not shown). Support structures 255 a, 255 b are also shown. An auger may be attached to the drive shaft 233 of the motor 230 for use of the apparatus in drilling. Such an auger may be powered by rotation of the motor 230, shaft 233 and auger about their axis of rotation 250.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of another apparatus embodiment 300 of the present invention similar to FIG. 2A but with two brackets positioned at or near each respective lateral side of the base of the apparatus instead of only one bracket. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, a first (upper) bracket 314 and a second (lower) bracket 315 are shown with each having only one hole 319, 321, respectively. These brackets 314, 315 are shown at or near a first lateral side 311 of the base. Although the apparatus 300 is shown with the brackets 314, 315 at or near a lateral side 311 of the base 301, such bracket(s) may instead be located more internally, such that there is a gap or spacing between the outer face of the bracket and the lateral side of the base (e.g., with a portion of the back side of the base exposed between the bracket and the respective lateral side of the base). The holes 319, 321 in the brackets 314, 315 would be aligned with two holes in one or two bracket(s) at or near the opposite side of the base (not shown). These bracket(s) at or near the opposite side of the base may be referred to as a third bracket or, if two brackets are present, a third bracket and a fourth bracket. As can be seen, these holes 319, 321 (as well as the holes in the bracket(s) on the opposite lateral side of the base) would function analogously, for example, to the two holes 219, 221 in the single bracket 215 shown in FIG. 2A. Similarly to FIG. 2A, the brackets 314, 315 may be located closer to a top side 307 of the base 301, and the motor 330 may be located closer to a bottom side 309 of the base 301. Again, support structures 355 a, 355 b are shown. An auger may be attached to the drive shaft 333 of the motor 330 for use in drilling. Such an auger may be powered by rotation of the motor 330 and shaft 333 about their axis of rotation 350.

Instead of being a separate but attached piece, one or more “brackets” of the present invention may instead be formed as part of the base. FIG. 2C shows a side view of yet another apparatus embodiment 400 of the present invention similar to FIG. 2A but with the “bracket” fused with, and forming part of, the base of the apparatus (i.e., formed as part of the base). For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, a first upper bracket portion 414 and a second lower bracket portion 415 of the base 401 are shown having two holes 419, 421. The bracket portions 414, 415 are shown at one lateral side 411 of the base 401 and even or flush with that lateral side 411. Although the apparatus 400 is shown with the bracket portions 414, 415 even or flush with a lateral side 411 of the base 401, such bracket portions may instead be located more internally, such that there is a gap or spacing between the outer face of the bracket portion(s) and the lateral side of the base (e.g., with a portion of the back side of the base exposed between the bracket portion(s) and the respective lateral side of the base). Indeed, each of these bracket portion(s) on each lateral side of the base may be located at or near their respective lateral side of the base.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, one or more bracket(s) or bracket portion(s) would also be present at or near the other lateral side of the base (not shown). The two holes 419, 421 shown in each of the bracket portions 414, 415 would also be aligned with two holes in the other bracket(s) or bracket portion(s) at or near the opposite lateral side of the base. These holes 419, 421 (as well as the holes in the bracket(s) or bracket portion(s) on the opposite lateral side of the base) would function analogously, for example, to the two holes 219, 221 in the single bracket 215 shown in FIG. 2A or the two holes 319, 321 in the two brackets 314, 315 shown in FIG. 2B. The bracket portions 414, 415 may also be located closer to a top side 407 of the base 401, and the motor 430 may be located closer to a bottom side 409 of the base 401. An auger may be attached to the drive shaft 433 of the motor 430 for use in drilling. Such an auger may be powered by rotation of the motor 430 and shaft 433 about their axis of rotation 450.

According to another set of embodiments of the present invention, each of the bracket(s) may be attached, mounted, joined, etc., to a respective lateral side of the base (i.e., instead of attaching, etc., an edge of the bracket to the back side of the base), such that an inner surface of the bracket(s) contacts, is attached, etc., to such respective lateral side of the base. For these purposes, the bracket is “attached” to a side of the base if it is directly or indirectly attached, etc., to that side of the base (as opposed to being attached, etc., to a different side of the base) regardless of whether there may be additional material(s) or piece(s) between the bracket and that side of the base.

In addition to two or more bracket(s) or bracket portion(s), the “bracket” may instead comprise a sleeve that may span some, most or all of the spacing between the corresponding portions of the excavator used for coupling. In other words, instead of having at least two brackets or bracket portions at or near opposite lateral sides of the base, there may instead be one or two sleeve(s) or bracket(s) that spans some, most or all of the width of the base and has one or two holes, such that each hole may be used for receiving pins, fasteners, bolts, etc., to couple the attachment to an excavator.

For example, FIG. 2D shows another apparatus embodiment 500 comprising a sleeve 525 for use analogously to the bracket(s) described above. The apparatus 500 is shown with the sleeve or bracket 525 having an upper portion 514 and a lower portion 515 with a thinner portion 516 between those portions 514, 515. Holes 519, 521 are shown through the full width of upper portion 514 and lower portion 515, respectively, of sleeve 525. These holes 519, 521 would function analogously to pairs of separate and aligned holes of spaced-apart brackets, such as described in reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C above (i.e., to receive pins, fasteners, bolts, etc., for coupling the attachment 500 to an excavator). The sleeve or bracket 525 is shown attached, mounted, etc., to the back side 505 of the base 501 toward the top side 507 of the base 501 and spanning the entire width of the base 501 from a first lateral side 511 to the opposite second lateral side 513 of the base 501. A motor 530 is also shown extending from the front side of the base 501.

Although the embodiment 500 in FIG. 2D is shown with the sleeve or bracket 525 spanning the entire width of the base 501, an sleeve or bracket of the present invention may alternatively span a length or distance in a side-to-side direction (i.e., have a width) that is less than the width of the base and/or less than the width of at least the portion of the base where the sleeve or bracket is attached. Thus, a portion(s) of the back side of the base may alternatively be exposed between the side outer face(s) of the elongated sleeve and the respective lateral side of the base. The groove or thinner portion 516 of the elongated sleeve 525 shown in FIG. 2D between the thicker upper and lower portions 514, 515 is also optional. The shape and dimensions of the sleeve(s) may also vary substantially while maintaining its function. Instead of one sleeve for both holes, there may instead be an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve with each having a respective one of the two holes. The exact structure, shape and dimensions of such a sleeve may depend on the type of excavator.

An apparatus of the present invention may also have other bracket(s), hooks, etc., that may be used to perform an ancillary or auxiliary function. For example, an attachment of the present invention may have an extra bracket with a hole through it that may be used to carry additional equipment that may be used in conjunction with the present attachment, such as to lift and carry an auger and/or an additional bit, to a drilling site (e.g., lowered into an excavated area). Such additional equipment may be hung from the bracket by a chain or the like. For example, a starter bit may be attached to the distal end of an auger or attached directly to the drive shaft of the motor for the purpose of creating a “pilot” hole in the ground. This initial “pilot” hole may then be used to help guide the auger straight into the earth. Thus, a hanging bracket may be used to carry a starter bit and/or an auger to the site for drilling.

FIG. 3 shows such an apparatus embodiment 600 of the present invention having two brackets 615, 617 with holes 619, 621, 623, 625 for receiving pins, fasteners, bolts, etc., on the back side 605 of the base 601 to couple the attachment 600 to an excavator and a motor 630 mounted on a front side of the base 601 (much like described above). In addition, the attachment 600 is shown having an additional hanging bracket 640 with a hole 641 through it (the hole 641 not used in coupling the attachment 600 to the excavator). This hanging bracket 640 is shown positioned, attached, mounted, etc., to a lower portion of the back side 605 of the base 601. As an alternative, the hanging bracket may be formed as a continuous part of the base (not shown) instead of being attached to it. However, it is important to note that a hanging bracket, or any other auxiliary hook, etc., regardless of whether it is part of the base or attached to the base, could be placed elsewhere on the base of the attachment (e.g., on a bottom or lateral side) and/or with a different orientation (e.g., oriented lengthwise in a side-to-side or diagonal direction) as long as its position does not interfere with the primary drilling function of the attachment and its coupling to the excavator. The shape and dimensions of a hanging bracket may also vary. Moreover, in contrast to one of the sides or faces of the hanging bracket may be fully attached or continuously formed as part of the base, a portion of a hanging bracket may project out from one of the sides of the base more than necessary to surround the hole of the hanging bracket (e.g., one of the faces or sides of the hanging bracket may be only partially attached, or partially formed with, the base).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a particular apparatus embodiment 700 of the present invention. The base 701 is shown comprising a lower portion 702 a and an upper portion 702 b with a first lateral side 711 and a second lateral side (not shown). A first bracket 715 is also shown having a first hole 719 and a second hole 721. As shown, a first collar 720 is associated and aligned with the first hole 719, and a second collar 722 is associated and aligned with the second hole 721. Similar collar(s) may also be associated with the holes in the second bracket (not shown). These collars 720, 722 are shown projecting out from the outer face of the bracket. The proximal end of the motor 730 and motor housing 731 are also shown fixedly attached at 760, such as by welding, etc., to the front side 703 of the lower portion 702 a of the base 701. The motor 730 is shown comprising a housing 731 with a flange 732, and the flange 732 is used to strongly attach a distal cap plate 735 using a plurality of bolts 736 with the flange 732 and cap plate 735 having a plane of contact that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor and/or parallel to a distal surface of the cap plate 735. A drive shaft 733 is shown projecting out of the distal end of the motor 730, which may be attached to an auger (not shown) for use in drilling. A hanging bracket 740 is also shown in FIG. 4 projecting out from the bottom side or end 709 of the base 701 with a hole 741 through it, such as for use in carrying auxiliary equipment. A number of various supports 755 a, 755 b, 756 are also shown to help strengthen and reinforce the attachment of the motor 730 to the base 701 with an additional longer support 756 shown bridging from the hanging bracket 740 to a side of the motor 730.

FIG. 5 shows the attachment embodiment 700 of the present invention connected, coupled, etc., to an excavator 800 for use in drilling. The excavator 800 is shown basically with a platform 801 having a cabin 803 above the platform 801 for the operator. The platform 801 is also shown connected to a pair of tracks 805 for use in movement. The platform is also connected to an articulable boom 807, which is in turn connected at a hinge to an articulable dipper stick 809. A collection of pistons and cylinders, which may be hydraulically driven, are also shown for causing articulable movement and positioning of the boom 807, dipper stick 809 and attachment 700 by rotation about the various hinges. The boom cylinders 808 a, 808 b may be used to raise and lower the boom 807, the dipper stick cylinder(s) 810 may be used to extend and retract the dipper stick 809, and the bucket cylinder(s) 812 is attached to the first and second arms 811 a, 811 b at hinge 811 d to cause up-and-down movement or rotation of the attachment 700. The dipper stick 809 also has associated arms 811 a, 811 b with a first set of arms 811 a connected at a hinge 811 c to the dipper stick 809 (at a first end of the first arm 811 a) and to a first end of a second arm (or second set of arms) 81 lb at a hinge 811 d (at a second end of the first arm 811 a). The first and second sets of arms on the dipper stick of an excavator may each typically comprise two arms. However, the first and/or second arms may conceivably be joined at one end if it does not interfere with rotation at each of the hinges.

A second end of the second arm 811 b is also shown connected or coupled to the first hole 719 of the first bracket 715 and a third hole 723 of a second bracket 717 by insertion of a first elongated shaft, such as a pin, bolt, etc., through them, such as described above. The distal end of the dipper stick 809 also has a hole(s) for receiving a second elongated shaft, such as a pin, bolt, etc., that is also inserted through the second hole 721 of the first bracket 715 and a fourth hole 725 of the second bracket 717 for further coupling of the attachment 700 to the excavator 800. For purposes of the present invention, the term “elongated shaft” shall include any suitable pin, fastener, bolt, etc., as used in the art for coupling buckets and other existing attachments or implements to excavators, which may be inserted into the holes of the attachment apparatus of the present invention and the corresponding holes of an excavator for coupling the attachment to the excavator. As described above, the holes in the bracket(s) of the present attachment may define an attachment plane, which will be coplanar with a second attachment plane of the corresponding holes of the excavator, which may be defined by the center axes of the holes of the dipper stick and/or arms of the excavator.

In contrast to FIG. 5, however, it is important to note that an attachment may be coupled to the arms and dipper stick of an excavator in a reverse orientation with the front side of the base, motor and auger of the attachment apparatus facing back toward the platform and cabin of the excavator (not shown). The nature of the coupling (i.e., aligning holes and attachment planes) would be basically the same except that the attachment would be turned around. The desired orientation of the attachment relative to the excavator upon coupling may depend on the direction or manner of access and the location of the excavator relative to the drill site.

As mentioned above, the attachment of the present invention may be coupled to an excavator and attached to an auger for use in drilling. Often times, however, in addition to drilling a hole underground, it may also be desirable to place a pipe, casing, ductwork, etc., inside the hole. Rather than drilling a hole first and then subsequently pushing the pipe, casing, etc., into the hole, it is preferable to simultaneously push or place the pipe, casing, etc., inside the hole during drilling of the hole to increase efficiency and save time. For these purposes, the term “pipe” shall inclusively mean any suitable tubular structure for underground use that may be fitted around an auger and may include any such pipe, casing, ductwork, etc.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a push plate apparatus is provided for possible use in conjunction with an attachment of the present invention. Such a push plate apparatus may generally have a hollow cylindrical portion and a plate portion, with the plate portion attached and located at or near a distal end of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion will generally include a single continuous shell having one or more walls that are around most or all of the hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion (i.e., enclosing most or all of the hollow inner cavity except for any openings, etc., in the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion, such as a side opening). For purposes of the present invention, the term “enclose” or “enclosing” in reference to the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion mean that such wall(s) mostly or entirely enclose the hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion with the exception of the proximal and distal openings and one or more additional side opening(s) in the wall(s) that may be present on one or more sides of the cylindrical portion. In cross-section, the shell of the cylindrical portion comprising the one or more walls may generally have a closed curve shape, such as a polygonal or circular shape, although a circular shape may be most preferred. Thus, the number of wall(s) forming the shell of the cylindrical portion will depend on the shape of the shell of the cylindrical portion. Indeed, a cylindrical portion having a circular cross-sectional shape may consist of only a single, circumferential wall.

For purposes of the present invention, a “side” of the cylindrical portion of a push plate apparatus is defined as a continuous portion of the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion that is entirely on one side of a plane encompassing a proximal-to-distal center axis of the cylindrical portion. For example, a “bottom side” of the cylindrical portion may include such a continuous portion of the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion that is entirely below a horizontal plane encompassing the proximal-to-distal center axis of the cylindrical portion (i.e., when the proximal-to-distal center axis is oriented horizontal during use). As such, a side opening on a “bottom side” of the cylindrical portion would be an opening in the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion on the bottom side of the cylindrical portion. However, any directional language (e.g., “bottom”) used in describing a particular “side” of the cylindrical portion may depend on the orientation and manner of attachment of the push plate apparatus during use.

The wall(s) of the cylindrical portion may generally be parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (i.e., in a direction along the proximal-to-distal axis). However, the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion may instead be tapered at a slight angle. Thus, the term “approximately parallel” in reference to the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion shall include an angle between them that is within a range that is about ±20° relative to being exactly parallel (i.e., from about −20° to about 20°), or about ±10°, or about ±5°, depending on the direction of the taper. Although the plate portion and the cylindrical portion may be formed as a single, continuous piece of material, these portions of the apparatus may preferably be separate pieces that are strongly and fixedly attached or joined together by any suitable method, such as by welding, brazing, soldering, bolting, fastening, etc. The push plate may also include various support(s) and/or fastener(s). For example, fastener(s) may be used to join a flange of the cylindrical portion to the plate portion and/or to join a flange of the plate portion to the cylindrical portion. Supports may be placed, for example, between the underside (i.e., proximal face) of the plate portion and the outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion.

The plate portion of the push plate may generally have a planar distal face that is approximately perpendicular to the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion with a plate opening in the plate portion being generally aligned and continuous in a proximal-to-distal axis direction with a distal opening of the cylindrical portion and the hollow cavity or lumen of the cylindrical portion. The diameter of the plate opening in the plate portion may be approximately the same or less than the diameter of the distal opening of the cylindrical portion. In addition to its outer distal face, the plate portion itself may be planar in shape, which may also be approximately perpendicular to the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion. The plate portion will generally have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion. A proximal opening is also present at or near the proximal end of the cylindrical portion, and the proximal opening is also continuous and aligned with the hollow lumen of the cylindrical portion. A plurality of stoppers may also be present on the outer distal face of the plate portion for securing a pipe, casing, etc. against their lateral movement or sliding during use. For cylindrical pipes, etc., these stoppers will generally be placed at a constant radius from the center proximal-to-distal axis of the cylindrical portion. However, different positions for these stopper(s) are conceived for pipes, etc., having non-circular or non-cylindrical cross-sectional shapes.

With regard to dimensions, the height of the push plate (in a proximal-to-distal direction) may be in a range from about 1 foot to about 3 feet, such as about 2 feet. The width of the plate portion of the push plate (in a side-to-side direction) may be in a range from about 20 inches to about 32 inches, such as from about 26 inches to about 30 inches, whereas the width of the cylindrical portion may be in a range from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, such as from about 14 inches to about 18 inches. The diameters of the distal opening, proximal opening and plate opening may be the same or different and may each be within a range from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, such as from about 14 inches to about 18 inches.

One or more connecting member(s), such as an annular flange or spaced apart brackets, etc., will be present at or near the proximal end of the cylindrical portion of the push plate, and a side opening may also be present on one side of the cylindrical portion of the push plate apparatus. Such connecting member(s) may generally be positioned in a plane that is approximately parallel to the distal face of the plate portion of the push plate apparatus (and/or approximately perpendicular to the wall(s) of the cylindrical portion of the push plate apparatus). Preferably, the connecting member(s) will consist of a flange, and more preferably an inner flange (i.e., on the inside of the cylindrical portion of the push plate), at or near the proximal end of the cylindrical portion of the push plate.

By having this general arrangement, the connecting member(s) or flange at or near the proximal end of a push plate apparatus of the present invention may be used to attach or couple the push plate to an attachment apparatus of the present invention, such as by using suitably strong fasteners, bolts, etc., and the plate portion may thus be positioned distally therefrom. For example, the push plate may be attached to the distal end of the motor of such an attachment, such as to a distal cap plate of a motor housing. For purposes of attaching, joining, etc., a feature (e.g., bracket, motor, etc.) of the attachment apparatus to the base (or to assemble pieces of the base together), or to attach, join, etc., a push plate apparatus of the present invention to an attachment apparatus of the present invention (e.g., to a distal end of the motor of the attachment), the term “fastener” shall broadly include any appropriate and suitably strong fastener, such as bolts, etc. Accordingly, the combined apparatus including the present attachment and push plate may be coupled to an excavator for their joint use. The connecting member(s), such as an inner or outer flange, of the push plate may be joined with an attachment apparatus by aligning holes in the connecting member(s) with one or more holes in a cap plate and/or flange of the motor of the attachment apparatus and inserting fasteners through the holes.

Although less preferred, it is also conceivable that connecting member(s) may instead consist of an outer flange (i.e., on the outside of the cylindrical portion) may be used according to some embodiments in place of an inner flange for essentially the same purpose. In addition, according to other embodiments, connecting member(s) may instead consist of a plurality of spaced apart brackets, projections, etc., may be used in place of an inner or outer flange that are attached or positioned at or near the proximal end of the cylindrical portion. Thus, a push plate apparatus may be joined with an attachment apparatus by aligning holes in those connecting member(s) with one or more holes in a cap plate and/or flange of the motor of the attachment apparatus and inserting fasteners through them.

By general alignment of the proximal opening, hollow lumen and distal opening of the cylindrical portion of the push plate and the plate opening of the plate portion, an auger attached or coupled to the attachment of the present invention, such as to the drive shaft of a motor of such an attachment, may be allowed to extend and pass through these openings and internal cavities and spaces and project out distally from the push plate. In addition, the side opening in the cylindrical portion of the push plate may allow the earth dug or drilled out by the auger to be expelled out of the push plate near the proximal end of the auger during drilling. Due to the proximal opening of the push plate being closed by its fastening to the attachment apparatus, the earth will be forced sideways out the side opening to exit the push plate. For this purpose, when the push plate is coupled to an attachment of the present invention, the side opening may be oriented downward during horizontal drilling.

It is further conceived that an additional adaptor piece may be present between the cylindrical portion and the plate portion of the push plate apparatus at or near the distal end of the cylindrical portion, which may allow for attachment of different plate portion(s). Alternatively, a (first) plate portion attached at or near the distal end of the cylindrical portion may itself function as an “adaptor” for an additional (second) plate portion(s) that may be placed or laid on the outer distal face of the plate portion. In this way, if the (first) plate portion of the push plate apparatus that is joined to the cylindrical portion is not appropriately sized for an auger and/or a particular, pipe, casing, etc., such an additional (second) plate portion may be placed or laid on top of the outer distal surface of the first plate portion, such that the original (first) plate portion may act as an “adaptor” for the additional (second) plate portion. This additional (second) plate portion may have a smaller plate opening to suit a smaller auger and/or more closely spaced stopper(s) on its outer distal face to suit a smaller pipe, casing., etc. The (additional) plate opening of the additional (or second) plate portion may thus be used to hug a smaller auger and/or to hold a smaller pipe, casing, etc., with appropriately positioned or spaced apart stopper(s). Stacking of additional plate portion(s) may be repeated as needed. The additional (second) plate portion may be attached to the first plate portion or adaptor by resting on its outer distal surface and by fastening, bolting, clamping, etc., the second and/or additional plate portion(s) to the first plate portion or adaptor. Generally, the outer diameter of the additional (second) plate portion will correspond to the placement of the stopper(s) of the original (first) plate portion, such that those stopper(s) may be used to secure the additional (second) plate portion to the original (first) plate portion.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of a push plate apparatus 900 of the present invention. The push plate 900 comprises a cylindrical portion 901 and a plate portion 903 that are joined or formed together. The cylindrical portion 901 has an inner surface 901 n and an outer surface 901 b. The cylindrical portion 901 also has a proximal opening 909, a distal opening 907, and a side opening 913, with the side opening 913 on one side of the cylindrical portion 901. The distal opening 907 is juxtaposed and adjacent with a plate opening 905 of the plate portion 903. An inner flange 911 is also shown at or near the proximal end of the cylindrical portion 901 having a plurality of holes 912 for receiving a suitable fastener, such as a bolt, etc., for coupling the push plate to an attachment of the present invention. For example, these holes 912 may receive the bolts used to join a distal cap plate and distal flange of a motor of an attachment of the present invention to join the push plate apparatus to the attachment. These holes may also be threaded to assist in fastening.

During use, a pipe, casing, etc., may be slid over an auger attached to the attachment of the present invention (i.e., with the auger extending lengthwise through the hollow interiors of the push plate and the pipe, casing, etc.), such that one end of the pipe, casing, etc., placed against, abutting, resting on, etc., an outer distal side or face 903 a of the plate portion 903 that is planar. In this arrangement, the auger will also extend and protrude out of the distal opening 907 and the plate opening of the push plate apparatus 900, such that a distal portion of the auger may be exposed and allowed to directly contact the earth for drilling without the pipe, casing, etc., getting in the way. Additional stoppers 915 may also be present on the outer distal face 903 a of the plate portion 903 to help keep the pipe, casing, etc., resting against the outer distal face 903 a and not sliding sideways during use. These stoppers may simply be protrusions above the outer distal surface of the plate and have a variety of different shapes, and/or they may include any suitable type or combination of plate(s), bracket(s), fastener(s), etc., for use in tightening against the sides of the pipe, casing, etc. Any such stoppers may generally be positioned at a constant radius from a center point of the plate portion to correspond to a centrally placed circular pipe, etc. However, although generally less preferred, placement of these stopper(s) may vary, especially if the pipe, etc., has a non-circular shape. It is also conceivable that such stoppers may instead be positioned to engage an inner surface of the pipe, etc. (instead of an outer surface), and/or the stopper may be present as a continuous protruding ring or other shape that engages the inner or outer surface of the pipe, etc.

As further shown in FIG. 6, an additional (second) plate portion 950 having an outer distal face 950 a and a proximal face 950 b may be placed or laid on top of the outer distal face 903 a of the original (first) plate portion 903 with at least a portion of the proximal face 950 b of the additional plate portion 950 resting on a portion of the outer distal face 903 a of the plate portion 903. The additional plate portion 950 may be secured to the plate portion 903 by use of the stoppers 915. The additional plate portion 950 has a smaller (additional or second) plate opening 955 (relative to plate opening 905 of plate portion 903) and is also shown having a second plurality of stoppers 965 a, 965 b, 965 c on the outer distal face 950 a that are spaced closer together (at a constant radius) than the stoppers 915 of the plate portion 903.

FIG. 7 provides a bottom perspective view of a combined apparatus 1000 of the present invention having a push plate embodiment 900 coupled to an excavator attachment embodiment 700. Much like the description above, an inner flange 911 of the push plate 900 may be attached to a distal cap plate 735 of a motor 730. Holes in inner flange 911 may be aligned with holes through distal cap plate 735 and flange 732 of motor 730, such that fasteners (e.g., the same or similar fasteners used to join the distal cap plate 735 and flange 732 of the motor 730) may be used to additionally join the push plate 900. The push plate apparatus 900 is connected, etc., to the attachment 700, such that the side opening 913 in the cylindrical portion 901 of the push plate apparatus 900 is shown facing “downward” (i.e., toward the bottom side 709 of the base 701 of the attachment 700 and below a horizontal plane encompassing the proximal-to-distal center axis of the cylindrical portion). An auger (not shown) may also attach to the drive shaft 733 of the motor 730 of the attachment 700 and extend out distally through openings 905, 907 (and possibly also through a pipe, casing, etc. (not shown), resting against the outer distal face 903 a of the plate portion 903 of the push plate 900) for use in drilling.

According to another aspect of the present invention, methods are provided for assembling the attachment apparatus of the present invention, coupling the attachment apparatus to an excavator, and attaching a push plate apparatus of the present invention to the attachment apparatus as described herein. Methods of using or operating the attachment apparatus and/or push plate apparatus in conjunction with an excavator as described herein are further provided.

While the present invention may have been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined herein. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any and all examples in the present disclosure, while illustrating embodiments of the invention, are provided as non-limiting examples and are, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the various aspects so illustrated. The present invention is intended to have its full scope consistent with the following claims, and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not as restrictive. 

what is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for attachment to an excavator comprising: a base having a front side, a back side and a major plane; one or more brackets, each bracket having at least one hole; and a motor fixedly mounted on the front side of the base, wherein the one or more brackets have at least two holes comprising a first hole and a second hole, and wherein the one or more brackets are positioned such that the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are each positioned behind the back side of the base, wherein the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are approximately parallel to each other and oriented within a single attachment plane, wherein the attachment plane is approximately parallel to the major plane of the base, and wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more brackets comprise two brackets including a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket is positioned at or near a first lateral side of the base, and wherein the second bracket is positioned at or near a second lateral side of the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first bracket comprises the first hole and the second hole and the second bracket comprises a third hole and a fourth hole, wherein the center axes of the third hole and the fourth hole are each positioned behind the back side of the base, and wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are approximately parallel with each other and oriented within the attachment plane.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the center axes of the first hole and the third hole are co-linearly aligned, and wherein center axes of the second hole and the fourth hole are co-linearly aligned.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the distance between the first hole and the third hole is within a range from about 6 inches to about 36 inches
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the approximately parallel angle between the major plane of the base and the attachment plane is within a range from about −30° to about 30°.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the approximately parallel angle between the major plane of the base and the attachment plane is within a range from about −10° to about 10°.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the approximately perpendicular angle between the major plane of the base and the axis of rotation of the motor is within a range from about 70° to about 110°.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the approximately perpendicular angle between the major plane of the base and the axis of rotation of the motor is within a range from about 80° to about 100°.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is approximately perpendicular to the attachment plane.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the height of the base is within a range from about 2.5 feet to about 4 feet, and wherein the width of the base is within a range from about 10 inches to about 30 inches.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first hole and the second hole is within a range from about 12 inches to about 24 inches.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is mounted closer to a bottom side of the base than to a top side of the base, and wherein the one or more brackets are positioned closer to the top side of the base than to the bottom side of the base.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is mounted to a flat surface portion on the front side of the base.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a plane encompassing the flat surface portion on the front side of the base is approximately parallel to the major plane of the base.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more is attached to the back side of the base.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more is attached to a lateral side of the base.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket comprises a sleeve.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a push plate, the push plate comprising: a cylindrical portion having one or more walls, a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the one or more walls enclose a hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion, the hollow cavity being continuous with the proximal opening and the distal opening; a plate portion located at or near a distal end of the cylindrical portion; and one or more connecting members having one or more holes positioned in a plane at or near a proximal end of the cylindrical portion, wherein the plate portion has a planar distal face that is approximately perpendicular to one or more walls of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the one or more connecting members of the push plate are attached to the motor by one or more fasteners.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cylindrical portion further comprises a side opening in the one or more walls on one side of the cylindrical portion.
 21. A push plate apparatus for use with an excavator attachment comprising: a cylindrical portion having one or more walls, a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the one or more walls enclose a hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion, the hollow cavity being continuous with the proximal opening and the distal opening; a plate portion located at or near a distal end of the cylindrical portion; and one or more connecting members having one or more holes positioned in a plane at or near a proximal end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the plate portion has a planar distal face that is approximately perpendicular to one or more walls of the cylindrical portion.
 22. The push plate apparatus of claim 21, wherein the cylindrical portion further comprises a side opening in the one or more walls on one side of the cylindrical portion.
 23. The push plate apparatus of claim 21, wherein the one or more connecting members comprises a flange.
 24. The push plate apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a plurality of stoppers positioned on the planar distal face of the plate portion.
 25. A method comprising: (a) aligning a first hole and a second hole of an attachment apparatus with a corresponding set of holes of an excavator, the attachment apparatus comprising: a base having a front side, a back side and a major plane; one or more brackets, each bracket having at least one hole; and a motor fixedly mounted on the front side of the base, wherein the one or more brackets have at least two holes comprising the first hole and the second hole, and wherein the one or more brackets are positioned such that the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are each positioned behind the back side of the base, wherein the center axes of the first hole and the second hole are approximately parallel to each other and oriented within a single attachment plane, wherein the attachment plane is approximately parallel to the major plane of the base, and wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is approximately perpendicular to the major plane of the base; (b) inserting a first elongated shaft through the first hole of the attachment apparatus and at least a first corresponding hole of the excavator; and (c) inserting a second elongated shaft through the second hole of the attachment apparatus and at least a second corresponding hole of the corresponding holes of the excavator.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: (d) attaching one or more connecting members of a push plate to the attachment apparatus by one or more fasteners, the push plate comprising: a cylindrical portion having one or more walls, a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the one or more walls enclose a hollow cavity of the cylindrical portion, the hollow cavity being continuous with the proximal opening and the distal opening; a plate portion located at or near a distal end of the cylindrical portion; and one or more connecting members having one or more holes positioned in a plane at or near a proximal end of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the plate portion has a planar distal face that is approximately perpendicular to one or more walls of the cylindrical portion.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the push plate is attached to the motor of the attachment apparatus by the one or more fasteners.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the cylindrical portion further comprises a side opening in the one or more walls on one side of the cylindrical portion, and wherein the push plate is attached to the attachment apparatus in step (d) such that the side opening is positioned downward on a bottom side of the cylindrical portion.
 29. The method of claim 25, further comprising: (e) connecting an auger to the attachment apparatus.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the auger is connected in step (e) to a drive shaft of the motor of the attachment apparatus. 